The annual open enrollment period for Medicare starts October 15. Between then and December 7, Medicare beneficiaries can make coverage changes for 2019.
- You can switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage.
- You can switch from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare.
- You can switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another Medicare Advantage plan.
- You can switch your prescription drug coverage.
There are a lot of decisions to make, and the stakes are high. The coverage you select will impact the medical care and prescription coverage you have the following year. It will also determine your out-of-pocket costs.
Luckily, you don’t have to go it alone. A Medicare insurance agent can help you navigate your options. Here’s what to look for in an agent.
Someone with the Right Qualifications
Agents must complete the relevant licensing requirements to operate in the state where they do business. Any agent offering to help you select your Medicare insurance plan should be licensed.
Additionally, agents need to be contracted with insurance carriers in order to sell their plans. The more contracts an agent has, the more options they can provide to you.
Someone with Medicare Expertise
Open enrollment is all about examining your options so you can pick the coverage that’s the best match for your needs. To help you do this, you need an agent who is familiar with the Medicare plans in your coverage areas and knows about the various issues and concerns that can arise.
Look for an agent who specializes in Medicare. The agent should be knowledgeable about Medicare coverage and able to answer common questions confidently.
Someone Who’s Responsive
Getting the right Medicare coverage is important to you, so you need an agent who takes your needs seriously. Because you only have a limited amount of time to make a decision, you also need someone who responds to you promptly.
Even experienced agents may not be able to answer every question you have immediately, especially if you have unique needs, but a good agent will take the time to research your issue and get back to you.
Someone Who Instills Confidence
Insurance is complicated, and most people aren’t experts in it. It’s normal to feel confused and uncertain when having to make important coverage decisions. This is why you need an agent who helps alleviate your worries.
When picking an agent, choose one who makes you feel comfortable. You should trust that your agent has your back and won’t rest until you’ve made a selection you’re happy with.
Need Medicare Insurance guidance? PTT can help. We have a network of Medicare Insurance experts in your area. Contact us to learn more, and plan to attend a Medicare Insurance seminar.